Deeper roots of psychodrama

While researching Moreno’s early history and psychodrama, I uncovered some relatively unknown information on deeper roots of his creations, specifically taking a closer look into the question whether psychodrama followed the theories and practice of psychoanalysis, and an examination of other sources of influence on the development of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. This article focuses on those questions and on some philosophical, religious and mystical underpinnings drawn from Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), and Hasidic teaching. This is not a complete biographical presentation. It highlights significant activities during Moreno’s early years in Vienna, Austria, and then in the United States of America. Juxtaposition of ideas and theories with Moreno’s biography will not necessarily be in chronical order.